UPDATE FEBRUARY 2016: They are moving this month! I don't have the new address but I was told that it was in a shopping plaza just a bit away near an Italian restaurant. I'm sure they will be updating their website with the new address. I still love this store and still go quite often. I live 1/2 hour away and drive past a lot of other LFS on the way (you know...Petsmart and the like). This place is worth the drive. If they don't have what you are looking for, ask to be put on the email special request list. The tanks and equipment that they are currently using in the store are for sale! They keep everything in good condition so this is a good bargain. I just purchased one of their Reefbrite 6-foot long LED lights for a great price. I just have to wait to pick up until they are actually moving, which should be soon. The one thing that I don't like is.....hang on to something or sit down..... they will NOT be having their Show Tanks in their new store (I was told by an employee)! Nooooooo!!! I LOVE their show tanks! They have them in all sizes with all kinds of fish and plants... Another reviewer mentioned it was like going to an Aquarium, not just a store. They were right. It is one of the many things that makes the store special. I find their Show Tanks to be Inspirational! They give me ideas of what to do. I am sure that people spend more money in their store when they see what can be done. I'll bet it also makes the employees happy because they can show off what they know and express their artistic side. Let's face it, aquariums in the home are not just fun to watch, they can be ART, too! To the Owners: PLEASE keep the Show Tanks!
For the shopper: I did see that they already have some new displays. I was there last week (the first week of February) and they had a large Betta station. They also had a section with packaged plants. I haven't purchased any of them, but it can be seen that they are trying some new things. I just hope they keep up the fun and quality in the new store.
Original Review: Very helpful personnel. They've answered all of my questions & were very patient. I love looking at all the fish. Good variety. Their show tanks of all sizes are inspiring.
First Update: I have been going to the Aquarium Center for at least a year now. I have purchased a lot of fish and supplies. I used to have a 35 gallon hex years ago and ended up giving up the hobby when my son was young. He is in his 20's now and I'm back in the hobby. I started out with a 3 gallon, then a 5 gallon, then a 10 gallon, and then I purchased a 65 gallon. About a month ago, I bought a 180 gallon with 2 overflows and a sump wet/dry filtration system. I guess you could say that I'm back in the hobby.
I have gone to several aquarium stores in the area over this time period but I keep going back to Aquarium Center and have purchased most of my fish and supplies from them. I still love their show tanks. They are inspiring. I am on their email list so that I can get updates. I have gone into the store with lots of questions. I try to research the fish I want to purchase (water conditions, habitat, food, etc., which is 1/2 the fun) as much as possible before I make a purchase. Aquarium Center has a wish list where you can request fish for them to order. At any rate, they have been very patient with all of my questions and have taught me a lot. They have never been rude. They are also not pushy. In fact, I have had to seek the workers out sometimes because they are so busy with taking care of the livestock.
All of the fish I have purchased have been very healthy. They always quarantine the fish and will not let anyone purchase them until they are ready. I have never had any problems. They have a fantastic filtration system there that serves multiple tanks with valves and backups that allow any tank to be isolated if there is a problem. I have never seen evidence of a problem when I have been there.
I did note that there were a few times that I purchased a fish and found that I could have purchased the same type elsewhere for less money. However, who knows if there would have been a problem with the purchase of the fish from a place that would not take care of them as well. I would rather spend more money and have a very healthy fish than spending less and getting an unhealthy fish.
UPDATE: August 2016. The new digs are great. So glad they kept show tanks. Still great store!!!! read more